Arden and Kagehana managed to escape the brutal clash in the throne room, both heavily wounded. Nihad spread his arms wide, unleashing the full power of the Water God throughout the chamber. Just as Arden and Kagehana reached the door, Nihad's voice echoed across the hall:
"By the pact I made with the Water God, as long as I sit upon this throne, I will defend justice! You traitors have turned against my people and justice itself. You will pay the price!"
Arden and Kagehana fled through a hidden passage at the end of a corridor. Exhausted and barely able to stand, they regrouped in a dark shelter outside the palace. Arden clenched his fists and slammed them onto the table.
"This isn't over! We won't leave that throne to Nihad. But to defeat him, we need a stronger plan."
Kagehana took a deep breath and pressed her hand against the wound on her chest. "Nihad's power… We can't do anything against the strength the Water God has given him," she said angrily. "But I will find another way. I will reclaim my honor."
Arden frowned. "It's not enough to defeat Nihad—we have to take his place. But first, we need to regain our strength. We need more allies."
At that moment, movement stirred outside the palace. Nahid appeared at the gates, returning to a place he hadn't seen in years. He had left the temple behind, left his students. He came not as a warrior, but as a guardian of justice. Yet when he heard Nihad was in danger, he took up his sword once more.
As he stepped into the courtyard, Arden's remaining soldiers confronted him. They didn't recognize him. One of the commanders stepped forward.
"Leave immediately. This place is now under Arden's control!"
Nahid took a step forward and slowly drew the Sword of the Fire God. His gaze was calm, but resolute.
"I didn't come here to fight. But if anyone stands in my way… I will burn them."
The commander scoffed and gave the order:
"Seize him!"
In an instant, Nahid swung his blade. Flames erupted, engulfing the entire courtyard. Arden's soldiers fell one by one. Nahid sheathed his sword and walked into the palace.
Moving silently through the inner corridors, Nahid advanced with ease, taking down any remaining soldiers in seconds. He could feel her presence.
"Kagehana!" he called out, his voice echoing through the empty halls. "Stop hiding! I came to talk. But if you want to fight… my blade is ready."
Kagehana returned to the room where she and Arden were hiding. Arden frowned.
"This is madness. He's here?"
Kagehana exhaled slowly. "Yes. He came for me. But this time… I'll defeat Nahid in my own way."
Arden shook his head. "If we go out now, we'll both die. We need a plan—now."
But Kagehana ignored him. She gripped her sword.
"For me… everything ends here."
She walked toward the door.
The door opened. Kagehana stepped out, her blade crackling with lightning.
"Nahid… We finally meet."
Nahid drew his sword.
"I don't want to fight you, Kagehana. I know why you're here. But this is no longer personal—this is about the people."
Lightning surged along her blade.
"You broke my honor when you defeated me," she said coldly. "Today… I take it back."
She charged. Flames and lightning turned the corridor into a battlefield.
As the battle raged, Arden saw his chance. Gathering light in his hands, he prepared to strike Nahid from the shadows. But Nahid sensed it. A surge of water slammed Arden to the ground.
"Did you really think you could defeat me with tricks?" Nahid said. "I will defend justice. I will protect this throne!"
Nahid's flaming blade illuminated the corridor. Arden raised a radiant shield, pushing his power to its limits.
"You call this justice?!" Arden shouted. "You claim to protect the people—but all you bring is bloodshed!"
Nahid struck. The flames shattered the light shield. Arden collapsed to the ground. Barely conscious, a faint glow rose from his hand, but it wasn't enough.
"Arden," Nahid said heavily. "You endangered the people for your ambition. This ends now."
He raised his sword and brought it down. Flames engulfed Arden. With his final breath, he whispered:
"Kagehana… kill the one who killed me…"
Hearing this, tears streamed down Kagehana's face. She raised her lightning blade and charged.
"Nahid!"
Lightning clashed against flame. The palace trembled. Nahid formed a barrier of fire, but Kagehana broke through again and again. Each strike shook the walls.
Nahid paused and took a deep breath. Flames gathered into his blade, stronger than ever.
"Kagehana… this has no end. If you want your honor back—let's end it here."
But she didn't stop. With a final strike, she forced Nahid to his knees. Still, he rose. With one last surge of power, he struck back.
Silence followed.
Nahid's burning blade pointed at her heart. Kagehana fell to her knees. Looking into his eyes, she whispered:
"Kill me… but respect my honor."
Nahid hesitated.
"You always had my respect, Kagehana," he said. "But this war… was unnecessary."
He struck. Kagehana's body fell to the ground.
The flames dimmed. Nahid looked at her in silence and whispered a quiet prayer. Arden and Kagehana lay side by side in the silent corridor.
Nahid turned away and walked slowly through the palace halls. This battle had made his burden even heavier.
But this was the cost of justice—
Heavy. And inevitable.